ALVIN STILLWELL

A Conversation with Alvin Stillwell: Fashion Stylist

Represented by the prestigious Celestine Agency, Alvin Stillwell has styled photo shoots and commercials for the biggest brands of our times and the world's leading editorial titles.

Tell us the story behind your favorite wardrobe item

Alvin: A favorite wardrobe item, ooh, that's a tough one. I guess it would be a few things: a Dries Van Noten suit that I can wear anywhere from a cocktail party to a beach in Bali; a leather Etro tote I carry with me whenever I travel, and a pair of gold rings from designer Eric Saeter.

What's your most memorable 'panic moment'?

Alvin: I think in order to be a successful working stylist, you have to have a healthy dose of OCD which to me means, over pulling. Having the right pieces for a project and a few extra just in case stashed is always a good plan of attack.

How did you recover from it gracefully?

Alvin: How one deals with a challenge speaks volumes about an individual so I guess the solution is always to have a plan b, plan c, and plan d. A client will always want solutions, so that is where pre-planning comes in.

What is your favorite era for fashion?

Alvin: I actually love the cross cultural references that are happening now. I love how Marni, Dries Van Noten , Miuccia Prada, Gaultier, Haider Ackermann, Yohji Yamamoto, Viktor & Rolf and the late McQueen have married political, environmental, artistic, musical climates into fashion. It's a vital world we live in!

What was your big break?

Alvin: My big break happened in 1997 when I was asked to style a Bon Appetit magazine editorial. It was my very first editorial tearsheet and I remember thinking, 'I want more'!

Whose closet would you most like to raid?

Alvin: I would love to raid David Bowie's archival wardrobe. And also Bryan Ferry.

Thanks Alvin! To stay up to date on Alvin, be sure to visit his website http://www.alvinstillwell.com.